Residents of all ages recently explored the scenic open spaces of Barrington Hills on foot and on bicycles while raising funds for veterans and first responders.

Men, women and children all participated Aug. 12 in the eighth annual Barrington Honor Ride and Run, which supports the nonprofit Project Hero, said Colleen Konicek Hannigan, a member of the event’s organizational committee and a Barrington Hills trustee.

The national organization looks to assist veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions, as well as emergency first responders recovering from injuries.

“The long-route bike ride can be challenging. Our village is known for having pretty good hills to tackle,” Hannigan said, adding, “I think people want to support those men and women who have suffered catastrophically defending our country.”

Starting at the Barrington Hills Park District on Bateman Road, the noncompetitive ride and run included bike rides of 15, 30 or 50 miles, a 3.8-mile trail run and a 1-mile fun walk through Spring Lake Forest Preserve in the village.

The annual fundraiser typically draws between 150 to 250 participants, who mostly come from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Hannigan said. The event this year raised more than $30,000, she said.

H. Rick Bamman / Pioneer Press

Jin Chon, of Barrington, waits for the start of the eighth annual Barrington Honor Ride and Ride.